7/10/09

Today was a big work day. From 9 in the morning until 1230, I helped Karl with computer work and watched him sync computers as well as many other things I have no idea about. I have come to enjoy taking apart and working with computers, however it is frustrating to do things that I do now know about. I am also frustrated that I cannot contribute to discussion regarding computer topics because I do not know nearly as much as the people I am working with. This is not their fault, I simply hope they remain patient as I get used to what people like Karl would probably call "common knowledge."

After lunch, we went over x- rays, both real and fake, of anatomical images that will be used to test the new display that will improve contrast in looking at x- ray images. This was enjoyable as well as informative, since I was able to see what it is that they are focused on at the same time as various other projects.

Soon we met with another man, I do not know how to correctly spell his name so I will not try, that has an expertise in ultrasound wave analysis. This is the stuff that really interests me. We are going to try to use our data to find recognizable traits between different 'biofilms' created by bacteria that will hopefully be used for sick patients in years to come. In this way, we could help them figure out which plan of attack to use for certain bacteria, since they could now recognize the bacteria by the process we will be going through for the next 6 weeks. I consider myself lucky to be involved in this internship at a time where I can be immersed in such an interesting challenge. This experience has shown me the level of knowledge these professionals hold in their respective areas of expertise.

Although I am thoroughly enjoying this, I need to try to avoid getting discouraged. This discouragement comes from feeling stupid when I do something wrong or do not easily understand a concept that I am being presented. Hopefully this discouragement will fade with experience, listening and practice.